2013 SKODA OCTAVIA maintenance

General Maintenance
Vehicle care198
Service intervals
198
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
200
Washing your car
203
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
205
Taking care of the interior
208
Inspecting and replenishing
212
Fuel
212
Engine compartment
215
Engine oil
219
Coolant
221
Brake fluid
223
Vehicle battery
224
Wheels
228
Tyres and wheel rims
228
Winter operation
234
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment, and self-help
235
Emergency equipment
235
Changing a wheel
237
Tyre repair
240
Jump-starting
243
Towing the vehicle
244
Remote control
246
Emergency unlocking/locking
248
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
249
Fuses and light bulbs
251
Fuses
251
Bulbs
255Technical data
Technical data263
Vehicle data
263
Index
4Table of Contents

Materials defect liability and ŠKODAwarranty for new cars
Materials defect liability
Your ŠKODA Partner, as a vendor, is liable to you for material damage to your new ŠKODA car, ŠKODA Genuine Parts or ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in accordance
with statutory regulations and the purchase agreement.
ŠKODA warranty for new cars
As well as the materials defect liability, ŠKODA AUTO a.s. grants you the ŠKODA
warranty for new cars (hereinafter referred to as “ŠKODA warranty),” according to
the conditions described below.
As part of the ŠKODA warranty, ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will guarantee the following
services:
› Repair of damage to your vehicle that occurs within two years from the start of
the ŠKODA warranty;
› Repair of paint damage to your vehicle that occurs within three years from the
start of the ŠKODA warranty;
› Repair of rust perforation to the bodywork of your vehicle that occurs within
twelve years from the start of the warranty. Only rust perforation of body
sheets from the inside to the outside is included in the definition of rust perfo-
ration to bodywork and covered by the ŠKODA warranty.
The warranty starts on the date on which the original purchaser acquires the ve- hicle upon purchasing it from the ŠKODA Partner or the date of first registration.
Whichever event occurs first and is recorded by the ŠKODA Partner in the service
schedule accordingly is the one that applies.
Repairs may be carried out either by replacing the faulty part or by restoring it.
Replaced parts become the property of the ŠKODA Service Partner.
There shall be no further claims arising from the ŠKODA warranty. In particular,
there shall be no claims for replacement, cancellation, provision of a courtesy ve-
hicle for the duration of repairs or compensation for damages.
If your ŠKODA vehicle was purchased from a ŠKODA Partner in a country of the
European Economic Area (i.e. the countries of the European Union, Norway, Ice-
land and Liechtenstein) or in Switzerland, claims arising from the ŠKODA warranty
must also be made through a ŠKODA Service Partner in one of these countries.If your ŠKODA vehicle was purchased from a ŠKODA Partner outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland, claims arising from the ŠKODA warranty must al-
so be made through a ŠKODA Service Partner outside the European EconomicArea and Switzerland.
One of the conditions for service from the ŠKODA warranty is that all service work has been carried out in a timely and adequate manner and in accordance with the
manufacturer's provisions. It must be proven that service work has been carried
out properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's provisions when raising a
claim from the ŠKODA warranty. In the event of a missed service or failure to carry
out a service according to the manufacturer's provisions, you may still be entitled
to warranty claims as long as you can prove that the missed service or the failure
to carry out a service according to the manufacturer's provisions was not the
cause of the fault.
Natural wear and tear to your vehicle is not covered by the ŠKODA warranty. The ŠKODA warranty also does not cover faults to bodywork, installations or conver-
sions provided by third-parties, or vehicle faults caused as a result. The same ap-
plies to accessories that are not factory installed and/or delivered.
In addition, this warranty does not apply if the fault was caused by one of the fol-lowing:
› Unauthorized use, improper handling (e.g. use in racing competitions or over-
loading), improper care and maintenance or unapproved modification to your
vehicle;
› Non-compliance with provisions in the service schedule and the Owner's Man-
ual or other factory-supplied instructions;
› External causes or influences (e.g. accidents, hail, flooding etc.);
› Parts fitted on or in the vehicle, whose use has not been approved by ŠKODA
AUTO a.s., or modification of the vehicle in a manner not approved by ŠKODA
AUTO a.s. (e.g. tuning);
› Damage caused by you that was not immediately seen to by a specialist garage
or was not rectified properly.
It is the customer's responsibility to prove that it was not the cause.
This ŠKODA warranty does not affect the purchaser's statutory rights from mate- rials defect liability from the vehicle vendor and other potential claims from prod-
uct liability laws.
5Materials defect liability and ŠKODA warranty for new cars

New brake padsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 130.
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and environmental sustainability
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
131
Economical gear changing
132
Avoiding full throttle
132
Reducing idling
132
Avoiding short distances
133
Convenience consumers
133
Checking tyre inflation pressure
133
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
134
Regular maintenance
134
Saving electrical energy
134
Environmental compatibility
134
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
› your personal style of driving.
› the conditions under which your vehicle is use,
› technical requirements.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
Looking ahead
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

131Starting-off and Driving

Avoiding unnecessary ballastFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-
ommend to carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase
in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member with-
out a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aero-
dynamic drag.

Regular maintenance
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create the conditions needed for economical driving. The maintenance state of your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher thannormal!
Check the oil at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is depend-
ent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump-
tion could be as high as 0.5 litres/1000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea- ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of anew vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about 5000 km.
For the sake of the environment■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle be serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA serv- ice partner.
Saving electrical energy
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow- er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required.

Environmental compatibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-
rials, and manufacture of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.

134Driving

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
185
Airbag deployment
185WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-
tened seat belt .■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 177, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the airbag system.■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist garage
immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.

System description
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 185.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light  in
the instrument cluster » page 19.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag system consists – depending on the vehicle equipment – of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 187.
› Driver’s knee airbag
» page 188.
› Side airbags
» page 188.
› Head airbags
» page 189.
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 19.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 191.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag/activation in dash panel cen-
tre » page 191 .
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the new
owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of deactivating
the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to com-
ply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 185.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on. 
185Airbag system

General Maintenance
Vehicle care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
198
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
199
Variable service interval QI6
199
Information about the ŠKODA service
199
The service interval display in the instrument cluster will remind you to carry out every service stipulated by the manufacturer at the right time in order to prevent you from forgetting any.
Timely and proper performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of potential warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified by the validated service certificate and the corresponding receipts.
The specified service intervals are tailored to normal operating conditions.
In the case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some service
work performed before the date of the next service or between the specified
service intervals. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air
filter insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and replacing
the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with diesel particle filters, which can put
greater strain on the engine oil.
These difficult conditions are: › Fuel with sulphur content;
› Frequent short trips;
› Longer periods of engine idling (e.g. taxis);
› Operation in areas with heavy dust pollution;
› Frequent trailer operation;
›
Predominantly stop-and-go traffic as is often the case in city driving, for exam-
ple;
› Operation predominantly during winter.
A service consultant at the specialist garage will tell you whether the operating conditions of your vehicle may make it necessary for service work to be carried
out between the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply from the particular scope of work required,
depending on the vehicle type and equipment and the status of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the oil, even during the warranty period, unless stated otherwise in the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements.■
You will be informed about the current service scopes for the particular service
work by the specialist garage.

Overview of service intervals
Fig. 176
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle data sticker » Fig. 176 under the floor covering in the boot.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle: › Fixed service interval QI1;
› Fixed service interval QI2;
› Fixed service interval QI3;
› Fixed service interval QI4;
› Variable service interval QI6.

198General Maintenance

In order to operate a vehicle with a variable service interval, it must only be fil-
led and topped up with the prescribed engine oil.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service inter-
val. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 219.■A specialist garage can perform the changeover from the variable service inter-
val to the fixed service interval, or from the fixed service interval to the variable
service interval.

Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
After the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
(applies to Rus-
sia).
Oil change service
QI1Every 5,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7,500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
change First change after 3 years, then every 2 yearsa)
(whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!NoteFor diesel operation with a high sulphur content, the oil must be changed every
7500 km. Ask your specialist garage for information on the countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
The service intervals depend on the intensity at which the vehicle is driven and
the local conditions in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is sub-
jected to different loads when driven over short distances than when driven over
long distances. The service intervals are therefore variable.
InspectionAfter the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30,000 km
or every 1 year a)
.Oil change serviceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest after
30,000 km or 2 years a)
).Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 yearsa)
(whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!

Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 198.
You have access to an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners for
the maintenance of your vehicle. 
199Vehicle care

ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip-
ment. Here, trained specialists have a comprehensive range of ŠKODA Genuine Parts and ŠKODA Genuine Accessories at their disposal.
All ŠKODA Service Partners operate in accordance with the latest manufacturerguidelines and instructions. All service work is therefore carried out on time and
in accordance with the quality standards. Adhering to these instructions and
guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good techni-
cal condition.
The ŠKODA Service Partners also offer a wide range of other services. ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicleand to provide quality work. We therefore recommend that you have your vehicle
maintained by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tests required by law
201
ŠKODA Service Partners
201
ŠKODA Genuine Parts
201
ŠKODA Genuine Accessories
202
Spoiler
202
Component protection
202
Airbags
203
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps
keep your vehicle in a good technical condition. After carrying out modifications,
repairs or technical alterations, the vehicle will comply with German road trans-
port regulations (StVZO)
Always consult a ŠKODA Partner » page 201before buying accessories or parts,
or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your
vehicle.
WARNING■ If work on your vehicle is not carried out properly, this can lead to operation-
al faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.■
We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected sys-
tems because of the networking of the electronic components. The operation- al safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and can lead to increased
wear of parts.
■
The ŠKODA Partner accepts no liability for products that have not been ap-
proved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be products with an op-
erational approval or that have been approved by a government testing insti-
tute.
WARNING■ We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original
Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reliability,
safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.■
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased
from ŠKODA Partners, who will also perform the professional assembly of the purchased parts.
For the sake of the environment
Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept
by the vehicle user, in order to be handed over to the recyclers later. This ensures
that vehicle recycling is in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of the
manufacturer is excluded from the warranty.
200General Maintenance